Winter Skin SOS: The Best Highlighters & Glow Drops for a Dewy Complexion

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Winter Skin Woes: The Search for a Dewy Glow

How is your skin holding up this winter? If you are like many, the combination of festive parties followed by weeks of icy weather and relentless central heating has likely left your complexion feeling dry and flaky rather than radiant and dewy. While investing in a quality moisturiser for dry skin is essential for long-term care, it has never been simpler to create the illusion of healthy, glowing skin with the right highlighter or glow drops.

The current beauty market offers an extensive array of products, allowing you to tailor your glow precisely, from dazzling showbiz sparkle to subtle, natural-looking pick-me-ups and reliable anti-ageing solutions. Here is a detailed look at the standout products currently residing in my makeup bag.

The Ultimate Guide to Highlighters and Glow Drops

1. Best Bronzing Highlighter: Naked Sundays SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops

I am utterly obsessed with this product, even if its name, Cabana Glow, does not immediately suggest a winter secret weapon. I first trialled it during the summer months when it felt less necessary, but now it has become an absolute lifesaver. It illuminates your complexion without any glitter, imparting just enough warmth to potentially allow you to skip foundation altogether. The effect is so impressive that after seeing it on me, my mother requested I decant half of my bottle for her.

2. Best Highlighting Balm: Jones Road Miracle Balm

Bobbi Brown's latest venture, Jones Road, has created a product that lives up to its name: Miracle Balm. For an ultra-subtle effect, the 'Au Naturel' shade is perfect, but if you desire a bit more radiance, I highly recommend 'Golden Hour'. It is effortless to apply and has a divine fragrance. Simply smooth a small amount onto your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and across your forehead for an instant, polished look.

After testing it one morning in the office following five consecutive late nights, three colleagues immediately inquired about what I was using on my skin. It bestows a look as if you have just arrived from Barbados, travelling business class, no less.

3. Best Subtle Highlighter: Vieve Skin Nova

Founded by makeup artist and influencer Jamie Genevieve in her twenties, Vieve's products have garnered huge popularity with Gen Z, but they are certainly worth trying at any age. Skin Nova is a superb illuminator that provides a subtle, incredibly natural dewy glow. While it may not turn back the clock to your twenties, it will temporarily shave a few years off your appearance. For severely parched skin, consider the Super Skin Nova variant, launched this year with added moisturising ingredients. Both formulations are seriously impressive.

4. Best Liquid Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash Primer

If your skin feels as drained as your social energy, this could be the ideal solution for you. Cherished by beauty editors, Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Wonderglow is guaranteed to restore some sparkle to your face. I personally prefer a very natural finish for daytime, so I find this a tad too glamorous for daily wear, but if you regularly use bronzer or contour kits, you will adore it. I am saving mine for Valentine's Day, as it looks fantastic with a full makeup application.

5. Best for Mature Skin: Beauty Pie Wonderfilter Brightening Primer

A little of Beauty Pie's hit product goes a long way, delivering a lovely pearlescent glow. It features a slight pink base tone, so its effectiveness may depend on your skin tone. As someone with a fair amount of redness in my complexion, I find I need to wear foundation over it. That said, when layered under my usual makeup, it creates a gently 'well-lit' appearance that earns a definite thumbs up.

6. Best Highlighting Primer: Merit Great Skin Serum

If applying a traditional primer feels like too much effort, Merit has you covered with their Instant Glow Serum. This miraculous little spray requires just a couple of squirts massaged into the skin to perk up even the most fatigued complexions. It certainly merits a permanent spot on your bathroom shelf.

7. Best Drugstore Highlighter: Maybelline Instant Anti Age Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Primer

I was initially sceptical, as in the bottle it resembles a heavy foundation, but I am delighted I persevered because it is a fantastic product. Marketed as an Instant Anti Age Perfector – and who would not want one of those? – it is a milky liquid with a subtle sheen. Application is simple: dab it on with the included foam applicator and blend. The neutral base helped to calm my high colour, though some might find it slightly pale. It is also an incredible bargain; this product now resides on my desk for any complexion emergencies.